The Mozart Effect, Vols.1-3(BMG $8.98 Score:) Responding to research that links the value of Mozart's music to learning, these three volumes offer a range of music performed by first class artists: Vol. 1, Tune Up Your Mind; Vol. 2, Relax, Daydream & Draw; and Vol. 3, Mozart in Motion. It couldn't hurt!

The Classical Kids Collection (The Children's Group $9.98 Score:) If you're looking for a way to introduce your kids to classical music through stories, this series fits the bill. In Vivaldi's "Ring of Mystery," Katarina meets the great composer, who is the music director at the orphanage she is sent to in Venice. The exciting story is rich with suspense and Baroque music. Others in the series: Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Mr. Bach Comes to Call, and Mozart's Magnificent Voyage.

Kids Classics Series (EMI $7.99 Score:) Truly a hit parade of classical music. On Animals you'll hear "The Carnival of the Animals," Itzhak Perlman narrating "Peter and the Wolf," and "The Flight of the Bumble-Bee." Nature includes Vivaldi's "Winter," Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony," and Debussy's "Gardens in the Rain." Also recommended, Toys, Lullabies.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years.
Award Year: 1998.

Classical Child (MetroMusic $15.95 Score:) Selections are by turns as playful as "Papagena!" from The Magic Flute, as powerful as the "Anvil Chorus" from Il Trovatore, as heavenly as the "Flower Duet" from Lakme. What a splendid way to introduce young listeners to the opera!

Age: Preschool,Early School Years,Later School Years.
Award Year: 2001.

Baby Beethoven (Baby Einstein $ Score:) Although all the hype about the learning power of classical music for young children is now being questioned, this CD (which should be subtitled "Light Beethoven") is quite lovely to listen to and likely to be fun for preschoolers to dance, paint, or dream to. Selected movements from Beethoven's sonatas and symphonies are played on piano, bassoon, and keyboard without too much of a synthesized sound.

The Lion King: Original Broadway Cast Recording (Disney $9.98 Score:) We get goose bumps every time we listen to the opening number. The Elton John and Tim Rice score is rich and magical! PLATINUM AWARD '99. Also top-rated, scores from Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan.

Disney Karaoke (Disney $10.98 Score:) Ever dream of singing with a full orchestra to back you up? Here are 10 Disney classics with and then without the original vocalist. Or if you just like to listen: Disney's Greatest Top Hits A collection of the big songs direct from soundtracks of recent Disney films with original singers and orchestration.

The Broadway Kids Back On Broadway (Lightyear $8.98 Score:) If you have an aspiring Broadway singer in your midst, this collection of show tunes sung by young Broadway veterans will hit the spot! Songs include "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)," "Seasons of Love," "I Just Can't Wait to be King," and more.